No welcome Mats!
As much as I would like the Canadiens to sign Mats Sundin I just don’t see it happening. Nor do I see him ending up in Vancouver or resigning in Toronto. If he wanted to play for any of those teams he would have signed by now. Look at the incentives, Centennial season in Montreal, $10 million in Vancouver and yet another nonplayoff season in Toronto.
I believe that a team in the background is trying to clear some cap space in order to make room for Mats. There may even be more than one team willing and trying to do this. But I believe the favorite to be the NY Rangers.
Sundin has openly admitted that he would be interested in playing in New York. Travel would be less than out west and a team might stand a better chance of making the finals coming out of the east. And I’m sure Mats soon to be wife wouldn’t mind spending a season or two living in New York city. I have also hear rumors that Ottawa and Philly are interested but I still say the Rangers.
But for the Rangers to be able to fit Sundin under the cap they would have to move either Gomez or Drury. But both are under contract for the next 4-5 years and are making 8 million per season, but 5-5.5 million in their final year. This could be easier said then done. Hence the fact that he is not signed with the Rangers.
But there are still plenty of teams with lots of room under the cap that may be willing to take on a hefty salary. Remember that there is cap minimum as well as maximum.
I would be truely shocked to hear that Sundin has signed with one of the Canadian teams, has retired (won’t happen) or has decided to play in Europe.
So what will Gainey do if Sundin does not end up in Montreal? I say nothing until the trade deadline. Why panic? Montreal has proven that they are a solid team without Sundin. Why not wait for other teams to run into injury problems or to dump salaries at the trade deadline. They will have plenty for room under the cap.
Don’t get me wrong, I would love to see Mats Sundin in a Habs jersey. He would definitely make they a better team and legitimate contender. I just don’t think it is going to happen. Hope I am wrong.